Offbeat Destinations in Kerala
- sara sarosh
- Nov 3
- 7 min read

Kerala is so-called Gods own country and it was long known as the land of serene backwaters, tea plantations and golden beaches. However, as much as Munnar, Alleppey, and Kochi are captures of the mainstream, there is another face to this alluring state, a face that has never been spoilt, violated, or lost its virginity. The offbeat destinations in Kerala are an assurance to the travelers of a chance to get to know the true local culture, hidden natural beauty, and peaceful scenery that is not crowded. These secret secrets present the real soul of Kerala, providing a truly engaging mix of adventure, calm and exploration.
Be it a nature enthusiast, a history buff or an adventure seeker, these are the destinations little known in Kerala that one should visit to have a different traveling experience. By visiting them, you can observe the uncivilized beauty and culture that makes Kerala so special. Now that you are thinking of visiting these secret miracles, book your Kerala tour in Dubai with the specialists of Gokite Travel, that is specialized in creating personalized plans of travels that allow to enjoy the real, offbeat experiences. There is no better way to visit this beautiful state than to go on a tour of some of the most magical and unorthodox places in Kerala that will make this state seem like something new to you.
Here are the Offbeat Destinations in Kerala
1. Vagamon -Paradise of Hidden Hills

Vagamon is a peaceful hill station and nestled in the Idukki district it is one of the top offbeat destinations in Kerala which is still one of the best-kept secrets. Vagamon is a relaxing destination in mist-covered meadows, pine forests and rolling tea gardens as an alternative to the busy hills of Munnar. It is a great place to visit as it has cool climate, green valley and panoramic viewpoints and is a good place that nature lovers and those seeking peace would prefer visiting.
The rugged landscape of Vagamon can be used by adventure enthusiasts who would love to enjoy paragliding, trekking and mountain biking. Vagamon Pine Forest and Kurisumala Ashram are attractions that should be included in the list of places that would reveal the beautiful and religious picture of the area. In case you are sick and tired of the city life and want to get back to nature, then make a Kerala tour out of Dubai and include Vagamon in your schedule, you will not regret spending the time there.
2. Marari Beach - The Sweet Seaside Resort
Marari Beach is a laid-back beach just a short drive to Alleppey and it reflects the relaxed nature of Kerala. Marari is not commercialized as the commercialized beaches, this means that it is calm and peaceful, which can be enjoyed by travelers who want to relax. The coast is bordered with coconut palms, local fishermen are doing their daily business and traditional homestays provide some insights into the life of the genuine village.
Marari is more than a picturesque beauty, it is about being slower and feeling the beat of local culture. It is a holistic destination with ayurvedic spa, yoga retreats, and eco-friendly resorts. This serene holiday is worth inclusion in the list of the out-of-the-box attractions in Kerala which can be a good combination of rest and culture. To tourists in the UAE, Gokite Travel may assist you with planning your Kerala tour in Dubai so that you can explore the unimaginable on the unsuspecting Marari beach at it best.
3. Gavi – A Hidden Eco-Tourism Gem
Gavi in Pathanamthitta district is a place of must-visit to those who want wilderness and serenity. Gavi, which is located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, is surrounded by thick forests, waterfalls and spices plantations and is renowned due to its sustainable eco-tourism programs. This untouched paradise is the destination of birdwatchers, trekkers and wildlife lovers.
The best thing about Gavi is that it is a pure natural beauty. Go on a hike along the green forest paths, go on a boat ride at the peaceful Gavi Lake, and see some wildlife such as elephants, sambars and exotic birds. Spending the night in eco-lodges or tree houses here is an experience that really gives the offbeat destinations in Kerala the authentic feel.
4. Thenmala - the First planned eco-tourism destination in India

Thenmala, the first planned eco-tourism destination in India is one of the most interesting offbeat places in Kerala. It has clear waterfalls, vibrant forests and adventure trails, which is ideal to those who want to make nature paired with sustainable tourism.
The major attractions are the Thenmala Dam, Adventure Zone and Sculpture Garden. You are able to take pleasure in mountain biking, river crossing and canopy walk. The adjoining Shendurney Wild Life Sanctuary is a source of wild life sightseeing. As an amalgamation of adventure and conservation, thenmala signifies what Kerala offers to its visitors in terms of conservation of its natural beauty, as well as being a destination of eco-tourists.
5. Kakkathuruthu -The Island of Crows
Kakkathuruthu- Kakkathuruthu is a tiny island within the Alappuzha backwaters that was used to shoot the film around the world in 24 hours by national geographic. This is a remote island that can be reached by boat and has one of the most fascinating view of the sunset in Kerala. Kakkathuruthu is the Island of Crows, and I like its simplicity because it is a region of green coconut plantations, toddy tappers, fishermen, and women of this area weaving coir ropes.
The ideal place to have the pure village life and get in touch with nature. A stroll through the tiny lanes of the island and a canoe ride through the backwaters provide tourists an immersive and serene experience devoid of the mainstream tourist services.
6. Silent valley national park- the untamed wilderness in Kerala
The Silent Valley National Park is a national park in the Palakkad district that comprises of one of the remaining undeveloped patches of tropical evergreen forest in India. It is a UNESCO-recognized biodiversity hotspot as well as one of the purest off beat places in Kerala. The park harbours rare animals such as the lion-tailed macaque and millions of native plants and animals.
This is a safeguarded forest where tourists can be taken on a guided tour and nature walks. The river Kunthipuzha which flows through the valley makes the park even more beautiful. The Silent Valley is a unique experience that a person cannot find anywhere but in the forest, who needs some time alone and is closer to nature.
7. Nelliyampathy- The Remote Hill Station

Another undiscovered treasure that is yet to be discovered is Nelliyampathy which is situated close to Palakkad. The scenic hill station has the splendid rolling hills, coffee plantation and forests that provide a soothing view of the city life. The perspective in Seetharkundu is panoramic to the valley given below and the Pothundi Dam serves to make the scene attractive.
This is unlike the more popular hill stations in Kerala and Nelliyampathy is still very untouched, and would suit those tourists who do not enjoy being in the middle of a crowd. This is an ideal offbeat destination of eco-travelers as well as adventure lovers through trekking, camping and tours of the plantations.
8. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary- The Secret of Nature
The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural paradise cloaked in secrecy among the offbeat Kerala that is hidden in the Kannur district. Elephants, deer and several species of birds are found within the sanctuary and this is a pleasure to wildlife enthusiasts. The picturesque walk to the Meenmutty falls and the serene camping spots within the forest contribute to the beauty of the sanctuary.
Aralam has a strength of being approachable and calm in its environment: it is not crowded as many other sanctuaries, and it brings someone closer and closer to the wilderness of Kerala.
9. Ponmudi – The Golden Peak
Ponmudi is a beautiful hill station and also known as the Golden Peak and is located approximately 60km north of Thiruvananthapuram. The scenic hill side resort is an off road getaway with breathtaking panoramic views, zigzag roads and limitless trekking and adventure prospects. Ponmudi is a place that cannot be ignored by anyone who wishes to enjoy a peaceful sight of nature with its misty trails, tea gardens and surrounding waterfalls.
Ponmudi is a very refreshingly uncrowded destination, unlike the busy tourist hubs. The trip to Ponmudi alone, with its hairpin turns and breathtaking scenery is a sight to be recalled. It is a flawless representation of what alternative tourist spots in Kerala are all about.
10. Valiyaparamba -The Backwater Jewel

Kerala has one of the most beautiful and isolated backwater places in Valiyaparamba in Kasaragod district. This region is the best place to go on a houseboat cruise and have a peaceful vacation due to its serene lagoons, small islands, and coconut groves. The backwaters here are not so commercialized as in Alleppey, which gives a more pure and tranquil experience.
Valiyaparamba is an ideal destination to visiting tourists who are interested in enjoying the beauty of the Kerala coastline without the traffic. You may take pleasure in fishing and walking in the villages and having a view of the sunset, which will be imprinted in your memory forever.
Conclusion
The beauty of Kerala is much more than the popular tourist attraction sites. What makes this state so appealing is the uncharted areas, the foggy hills, the silent islands, the unseen woods, and the unspoilt beaches which make the kerala offbeat destinations. These are the off-the-road things that will not only make the traveler go sightseeing but also have a soulful experience that will make him/her feel part and parcel of nature and local community. Visiting these sites will make you have a different understanding of Kerala, which is full of discovery, authenticity, and calmness.
When you want to leave the tourist highways and enter the realm of breathtaking beauty and diversity of culture, it is the right moment to arrange your Kerala vacation trip in Dubai. It could be the backwaters of Valiyaparamba, it could be the green forests of Gavi or it could be the relaxing beauty of Vagamon but its offbeat Kerala will embrace you like a mother cradles her baby. In case of Gokite Travel, you travel effortlessly, comfortably and easily in these magical places. Therefore, grab your bags and prepare to discover the secret Kerala is not just a destination, it is a place where every street corner has got a story to be unveiled.







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